When the first notes sounded on Thursday, October 16, in Prague’s Dvořák Hall at the Rudolfinum, the audience knew they were in for an evening with a man who needs no introduction. Plácido Domingo – a vocal legend, conductor, and living chapter of operatic history – returned to the Czechia for the tenth time. Yet this was his very first appearance on the stage of the hall he has long admired.
“The Czech Republic has a beautiful, unspoiled landscape and lies in the heart of Europe. I always return with joy, because I feel a deep connection with the audience,” said world-renowned baritone Plácido Domingo before the concert. This time, his meeting with Czech listeners took place in one of the most beautiful music venues Prague – and the country itself – has to offer.
A Premiere in the City’s Most Famous Concert Hall
The Prague Rudolfinum, inseparably linked with Antonín Dvořák and the Czech musical tradition, hosted the charismatic Spaniard for the very first time. And yet, Domingo seemed perfectly at home from the first moment he appeared on stage. He was accompanied by the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Rastislav Štúr, joined by Slovak soprano Adriana Kučerová and Czech mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů – two artists with whom he shares not only the stage but also genuine mutual respect.
The choice of venue added a special dimension. After grand arenas and open-air festivals – from the Municipal House and the O₂ Arena to Český Krumlov – the Rudolfinum offered a different, more intimate intensity. It was also a chance to hear Domingo’s voice in an acoustic setting where every note becomes a small gem.
From Verdi to Zarzuela
The program connected two essential strands of Domingo’s artistic journey – the dramatic power of Italian opera and the fiery rhythm of Spanish zarzuela. The first part featured arias by Verdi, Puccini, and Saint-Saëns, including Pietà, rispetto, amore and the beloved O mio babbino caro.
The second part was devoted to Spanish composers Gerónimo Giménez, Léo Delibes, and Federico Moreno Torroba. The singer visibly relished every phrase, and when he filled the hall with the sounds of his homeland in the finale, it became clear that age is indeed just a number. The audience responded with a long and heartfelt standing ovation.
Czechia – a Chapter Written from the Heart
Plácido Domingo first performed in the Czech Republic in 1990, singing in Czech the aria of Laca from Janáček’s Jenůfa. Since then, he has returned regularly to the country at Europe’s heart – performing at the Municipal House, the Estates Theatre, Český Krumlov, and the O₂ Arena. Each concert had its own character, but this October evening in Prague was, by all accounts, one of the most personal.
“Bringing Maestro Domingo to the Rudolfinum for the first time is a dream come true,” said Gabriela Rachidi, Director of ArtMuse, the organizing agency. “His nobility and humanity are an inspiration. This evening was one of those you simply don’t forget.”
A Voice That Never Loses Its Breath
As the final ovations echoed through Dvořák Hall, it was hard to shake the feeling that time itself had paused for a moment. At 84, Plácido Domingo once again proved that charisma, musicality, and the connection between artist and audience cannot be measured by a calendar.
It was a unique evening that brought together a world legend and a city where music is taken seriously – but never so seriously that it forgets the joy of singing.
About the Concert “Plácido Domingo – The Opera Legend”
Prague, Rudolfinum, Dvořák Hall – October 16, 2025
Performers:
Plácido Domingo – baritone
Adriana Kučerová – soprano
Ester Pavlů – mezzo-soprano
Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra
Rastislav Štúr – conductor
Organizer: ArtMuse s.r.o.
General Partner: Madeta a.s.
Media contact: info@artmuseagency.com | +420 797 676 665
Website: www.artmuseagency.com